Clock spring assembly

MOLLYL12

MEMBER
2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
69,000 MILES

The airbag was recalled and we took it to the dealership. Two months later the airbag warning light went on and now they are saying the clock spring assembly needs to be replaced. I think they did something wrong when replacing the airbag. They want to charge $600.00 to fix.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

Replacing the air bag will not affect the clock spring unless the electrical connector was damaged. That would have been detected by the airbag computer right away. The fact there was no problem for two months proves nothing was done wrong. Clock springs fail all the time on any brand of vehicle. The only way we can cause damage is to not have them centered with the steering system when they are installed. That would cause damage to the internal ribbon cable the first time you turned fully in one direction, or after a few times in the other direction. The cable only has enough slack to permit turning the steering wheel from lock to lock, and little more.

VW is very proud of their parts, and their repair estimate proves it. I would get a second opinion from an independent shop. Many will not work on VW's or Audi's, but those that do will still get the clock spring from the dealer. The labor charge will be more reasonable.